Nasal sebum

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Nasal sebum, also known as nose grease/oil, is grease removed from the surface of the human nose. The pores of the lateral creases (where the nose joins the face) of the exterior of the nose create and store more oil and grease than pores elsewhere on the human body, forming a readily available source of small quantities of grease or oil. The grease is a particularly oily form of sebum, thought to contain more squalene (C₃₀H₅₀) than the secretions from other parts of the skin. It is notable because nose grease is a convenient durable lubricant with additional surprising applications.

Nose grease can be used to minimize scratches in optical surfaces, for example when cleaning photographic negatives.^[1] Observatory lore holds that nose grease was used to reduce stray light and reflections in transmissive telescopes before the development of vacuum antireflective coatings.^[2] The antireflective properties are due in part to the fact that the nose oil fills small cracks and scratches and forms a smooth, polished surface, and in part to the low index of refraction of the oil, which can reduce surface reflection from transmissive optics that have a high index of refraction. The same effect is sometimes used by numismatic hobbyists to alter the apparent grade of slightly worn coins.^[3]

Nose grease can be used to reduce skipping in CDs that have become scratched. Spread the grease around evenly and then finish with strokes that go from the middle to the edge.

To aid while assembling a fly-fishing rod, saturate the male extension of the connector with nose grease by rubbing it against one's nose.

Nose grease has mild antifoaming properties and can be used to break down a high head on freshly poured beer or soft drinks. Wiping nose grease onto one's finger and then touching or stirring the foam causes it to dissipate rapidly.^{[citation needed]}

Nose grease has also been used as a lubricant when playing the banjo. It can lubricate fingers for slides with the fingering hand, or to lubricate picks so they do not 'stick' to the strings when playing.

Great highland bagpipers use nasal sebum to coat the right pinky finger to play the burl movement more rapidly.

Nose grease can be used to make suction cups work on the same principal of minimizing surface scratches.

The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies suggests using nasal sebum as a remedy for chapped lips.^[4]

Pipe smokers may rub the warm pipe bowl against the side of their nose to create a beautiful patina over time. This works best if all carnauba wax has first been removed from the surface of the bowl.^[5]

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